• Who are we?

The Congregation of the Sisters of the Cross of Chavanod is an Apostolic Religious Institute, which is international and of Pontifical Right. Our Founders have placed us ‘Under the Standard of the Cross’, “To make the Good God known and loved”. We participate joyfully in the mystery of Jesus dead and risen in His mission in the world and we work together for the glory of God and the salvation of all “each according to her freedom and capacity”.
The Cross of Christ traces for us a way of growth to receive the fullness of God’s gift, enabling us to help all people to open themselves to the grace of the Passion of Christ a power always at work in the world (ROL Pg:2)

• Charism-Vision-Mission

As Sisters of the Cross, we have received from the Father, in the Spirit, a special call
“TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MYSTERY OF JESUS DEAD AND RISEN IN HIS MISSION IN THE WORLD FOR THE SALVATION OF ALL”. (ROL. 1)

We, the Sisters of the Cross, consecrated for the mission, collaborate with others in this work of salvation. In creative fidelity, we work for the cause of humanity, especially for the women and the poor, in solidarity with those who promote peace, justice and reconciliation. We journey with our brothern enabling them to recognize and receive God’s love in its fullness, to fulfil our Vision
“TO MAKE THE GOOD GOD KNOWN AND LOVED”.
Thus, our unique Mission is
“TO REVEAL TO ALL PEOPLE THE MERCIFUL LOVE OF THE FATHER AND THE LIBERATING POWER OF THE PASCHAL MYSTERY”

• Kenotic experience

Each direction given by Fr. Peter Mermier expressed the central idea that “the Sisters of the Cross” have to participate generously in the mystery of Jesus dead and risen for the salvation of the world. It draws us to live more deeply the spirit of detachment and total surrender of ourselves. Thus, the specific feature of our Charism is seen clearly in the choice of our foundational text: Phil 2: 6-11, “Taking the form of a Servant, being born in the likeness of men, and being found in human form He humbled Himself, He became obedient unto death, even death on the Cross. Therefore, God has highly exalted him”. As Sisters of the Cross, we received the special call to live more intensely the mystery of the Cross. By the grace of this mystery the sisters experience an ever-growing joy in identifying themselves with Christ in His merciful love: It is in embracing the Cross that we can overcome egoism and build a more fraternal life fully impregnated with the love of God. Animated by the apostolic zeal of the Founders, the sisters of the Cross very soon crossed the narrow boundaries of Chavanod and the parishes of the diocese of Annecy and established themselves in other parts of the world and remain open to go to every country where they may be called.